TAPPI Hosts Paper Machine Operations Course In Atlanta
Nalco Chemical. Today, he provides consulting and training through his firm, Tom Rodencal & Associates. A past TAPPI Board Director and recipient of the TAPPI Distinguished Service Award, Tom is recognized world- wide as an authority in paper machine diagnostics and troubleshooting. • Michael Kaegbein, Albany International: With a de- gree in Paper Manufacturing from the Munich Univer- sity of Applied Sciences, Michael has led press section optimization for Albany International customers across the U.S. and Canada for over a decade. His career also includes production management at one of Europe’s largest recycled fiber mills, where he oversaw process improvements and major startups. • Kevin Kroon, Albany International: Kevin holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and has more than 25 years of industry experience. He began his career in mill oper-
Last week, TAPPI hosted a Paper Machine Operations Course in Peachtree Corners (Atlanta), GA. Participants didn’t just learn theory, they gained practical, unbiased insights from professionals who have collectively trained thousands of operators, audited hundreds of machines, and pioneered innovations in machine performance. The course stood apart because of its exceptional fac- ulty, a team of respected experts who have shaped paper- making performance across the globe: • Tom Rodencal, Course Chair, Tom Rodencal & Asso- ciates: A TAPPI Fellow with more than 40 years in pa- per machine operations, Tom has held leadership roles with International Paper, Georgia Pacific, Domtar, and
ations at Kimberly-Clark before moving to Albany International, where he now serves as Director of Forming Applications for the Americas, specializing in forming section optimization across all product grades. •John Lucius, Albany International: With over 30 years in the pulp and paper in- dustry, John is Director of Dryer Fabric Applications for the Americas Corridor at Albany International. His extensive field experience spans forming, press, and dry- er fabric sales and service, as well as vibra- tion and pulsation analysis for predictive maintenance. •John A. Neun, representing Kadant: A TAPPI Fellow and licensed Profession al Engineer, John has surveyed and analyzed hundreds of paper and tissue machines during his career. With deep expertise in vacuum, water, cleaning, and fabric sys- tems, he is also an inventor holding six U.S. patents and a frequent presenter for TAPPI and other industry organizations. •Alexandre Laplante, Albany Internation- al: Alexandre brings more than 20 years of paper industry experience to this program, with a career dedicated to drying technol- ogy and optimization. After earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Sherbrooke University and a degree in Pulp & Paper Technology from Trois-Rivières College in Canada, Alexandre has held key roles in dryer fabric design, process engineering, and troubleshooting across North America and Asia. Today, he is Product Manager for drying products in the Canadian and U.S. markets, where he continues to specialize in dryer audits, optimization, and training. Stay abreast of TAPPI trainings by visit- ing TAPPI.org .
22
www.boardconvertingnews.com
September 29, 2025
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator